FBI Background Check
for South Korea

Do I Need an FBI Background Check for South Korea?

U.S. citizens applying for certain visas or long-term stays in South Korea are commonly required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary.

South Korean immigration authorities and employers often require this document to confirm that applicants do not have a criminal record in the United States.

This requirement most commonly applies to employment-based visas, including English teaching visas (such as E-2 visas), as well as certain professional work visas and long-term residency applications.

Short-term tourist travel to South Korea generally does not require an FBI background check.

Applicants should confirm the specific requirements with the South Korean consulate, immigration office, or sponsoring employer handling their visa or application.

Apostille, Translation, and Validity Requirements

When an FBI background check is required for use in South Korea, additional steps are usually necessary before the document can be accepted.

South Korea is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means the FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State before it can be legally recognized by South Korean authorities.

In some cases, South Korean immigration authorities or employers may require the document to be translated into Korean. When translation is required, it is typically completed after the apostille is issued, and certification requirements may vary depending on the visa type or employer.

South Korean immigration authorities commonly require the FBI background check to be issued within six months of submission, although requirements may vary depending on the visa category and sponsoring organization.

Applicants should confirm apostille, translation, and document validity requirements with the South Korean consulate, immigration authority, or sponsoring employer processing their application.

How to Apply

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI fingerprint-based background checks used for South Korea visa and employment applications.

Applicants can enroll online in just a few minutes, then visit a participating Certifix location for Live Scan digital fingerprinting. Fingerprints are securely transmitted to the FBI for processing, allowing the FBI Identity History Summary to be generated electronically.

During online enrollment, applicants can select the apostille service add-on, allowing Certifix to coordinate authentication of the FBI report with the U.S. Department of State once the report is issued.

Because visa requirements in South Korea may vary depending on the visa type, employer, or sponsoring organization, applicants should confirm whether apostille, translation, and document validity requirements apply before submitting their application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Does South Korea require an apostille for an FBI background check?

  Yes. South Korea is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means an FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State before it can be accepted by South Korean immigration authorities or employers.

• Is an FBI background check required for E-2 teaching visas?

  Yes. Applicants for the E-2 English teaching visa in South Korea are typically required to submit an apostilled FBI background check as part of the visa application process.

• Does South Korea require translation of the FBI background check?

  In many cases, translation is not required because the FBI Identity History Summary is issued in English. However, requirements may vary depending on the visa type, employer, or immigration office handling the application.

• How recent must the FBI background check be for South Korea?

  South Korean immigration authorities commonly require the document to be issued within six months of submission, although this may vary depending on the visa category.

• Which South Korea visas require an FBI background check?

  An FBI background check is commonly required for employment-based visas, particularly E-2 teaching visas, as well as certain work visas and long-term residency applications.

• Do tourist visa applicants need an FBI background check for South Korea?

  No. Short-term tourist travel to South Korea generally does not require an FBI background check. The document is typically required only for employment or long-term visa applications.

• Can I use a state background check instead of an FBI background check?

  No. South Korean immigration authorities and employers typically require a federal FBI background check, not a state or local police clearance certificate.

• How long does it take to receive an FBI background check?

  Processing time varies depending on how fingerprints are submitted. With Live Scan digital fingerprinting, results are often processed faster than traditional methods.

• Can I apply for an FBI background check online?

  Yes. Applicants can enroll online through Certifix, then visit a participating location for Live Scan fingerprinting, where fingerprints are transmitted electronically to the FBI.

• Can Certifix handle the apostille for South Korea?

  Yes. During online enrollment, applicants can select the apostille service add-on, allowing Certifix to coordinate authentication of the FBI report with the U.S. Department of State after the report is issued.